Turmeric for Dogs – Can You Give Dogs Turmeric?

You may have used turmeric for medicinal reasons as it has shown some significant properties to deal with certain health issues. But, if you are a dog owner, at some point, you may have thought of using turmeric for your furry friends to help them recover from different health issues. So, is using turmeric for dogs a good idea?

Well, you may have heard mixed opinions about this and different dog owners might have different opinions on this matter. Some might say it’s safe to use and some might suggest you not to use it. So, to help you provide clarity on this prospect, you need to read this article. You will find answers to different queries related to the usage of turmeric for dogs along with its benefits, possible drawbacks, tips on usage etc.

Turmeric for Dogs

Turmeric is a yellow-orange spice that is used in Asian cuisine and is usually safe for dogs. However, it is not a delicious flavour enhancer. It is a naturally powerful remedy and has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicinal practices. It contains a compound known as curcumin which is responsible for its colour, and antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Turmeric for dogs is a good idea as many dog owners have provided positive feedback on using turmeric for their dogs to treat different health issues. The common health-related issues for which dog owners used turmeric were joint pain, arthritis, inflammation, digestive issues, cancer, and diabetes.

Different forms of turmeric for dogs

When looking to purchase turmeric for dogs UK, you can find turmeric powder, capsules, paste, and treats made specifically for canines.

1. Turmeric powder – this is the most common form and is convenient to use. It is easily mixed with different types of food, oil, honey, or water to make it more palatable and bioavailable for our canines. However, the quality and purity of the turmeric powder will differ based on the source and how it’s processed.
2. Turmeric paste – when turmeric is mixed with different ingredients such as water, oil, and black pepper, it is known to have boosted the absorption and effectiveness of turmeric. This paste is easy to form and you can serve it to the dog with their regular meal.
3. Turmeric capsules – from a health perspective, turmeric capsules for dogs are more effective in comparison with powder or paste form. They retain a fixed amount of curcumin and you can give it to the dog with their regular meal.
4. Turmeric treats – this form of turmeric refers to the mixture of turmeric and other ingredients which help improve a dog’s health. However, these treats may contain additives or preservatives which could make them less effective.

Choosing the best turmeric form for the dog

After having a peek at different forms you may have thought of which turmeric form is most suitable for your furry friend but, it solely depends on the individual needs of the dog from a health perspective. But, there are some specific parameters that you can consider while choosing the best turmeric form for the dog:

• Bioavailability – this parameter refers to how well the dog’s body will absorb and use the turmeric. Turmeric powder has low bioavailability so, this means, the majority of the powder passes through a dog’s digestive system without being absorbed. Turmeric capsules or paste forms have higher bioavailability in comparison with turmeric powder. This is because of the higher presence of curcumin compound.

• Quality – this parameter refers to the potency and purity of the turmeric. The quality of turmeric powder varies as it is processed differently, derived from different sources, and stored using different methods. The capsules are in more refined form as it is turmeric powder after thorough processing and with other ingredients. But, there are chances of fillers or additives added to them.

• Palatability – this refers to the taste factor and whether the dog will like the turmeric or not. The powder form has a strong smell and flavour which some dogs might resent. Also, they can stain a dog’s mouth, teeth, or fur. Turmeric capsules and paste are easier to administer as both these forms are easily placed or hidden in a dog’s regular meal.

Benefits of Turmeric for Dogs

There are ample benefits of turmeric for dogs. Studies have shown that it is effective and trumps different costly drugs like – steroids, arthritis drugs, chemotherapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, and inflammatory bowel disease drugs. Below are some of the turmeric for dogs benefits that dog owners can avail of for their furry friend:

#1. Helps dogs with arthritis

Turmeric can help relieve pain and inflammation caused by arthritis and joint issues like hip dysplasia in dogs. The curcumin compound present in turmeric helps reduce inflammation that is causing swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints. It blocks the production of inflammatory molecules and enzymes like COX-2, and cytokines, and reduces the symptoms of arthritis in the dog.

Further, curcumin also modulates the immune system and stops it from attacking the joint tissues which is the issue in autoimmune arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, it can also help improve the blood flow and lubrication in joints and prevent the degradation of cartilage which is the cushioning tissue between the bones.

#2. Resolves gastrointestinal issues in dogs

Turmeric can help protect the digestive tract from infections, ulcers, and parasites. It also helps in supporting kidney and liver function. The turmeric protects the lining of the stomach and intestines from damage that is triggered because of viruses, acids, bacteria, or drugs like NSAIDs, that are commonly helpful to resolve pain and inflammation in dogs.

In addition, turmeric can also interfere with the growth of harmful bacteria like Helicobacter pylori which causes gastritis and ulcers. Instead, it will facilitate the growth of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus that helps improve digestion. Also, it can help remove parasites like giardia that can cause issues like vomiting, diarrhoea, and weight loss in dogs.

#3. Helpful for dogs having diabetes

Dogs suffering from diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or are unable to use it. Insulin regulates the blood sugar levels and if these levels are high it can damage tissues and several other organs in dogs. It could lead to issues such as thirst, urination, hunger, and weight loss. Turmeric helps in lowering the blood sugar levels and preventing insulin resistance. This minimises the risk of diabetic complications.

Blood sugar levels get low when turmeric increases the uptake of glucose by the cells and also, stimulates the secretion of insulin by the pancreas. In addition, turmeric also prevents insulin resistance i.e. a condition where the cells become less responsive to insulin and need more insulin to keep normal blood sugar levels.

Further, it also reduces the risk of diabetic complications like neuropathy, cataracts, neuropathy, and cardiovascular diseases as it prevents oxidative stress and inflammation, and improves blood circulation and wound healing process.

#4. Helps fighting cancer

Dogs having cancer will have their cells grow uncontrollably and abnormally, and enter other tissues and organs. This anomaly often leads to issues like loss of appetite, pain, weight loss, and fatigue. Turmeric can help slow down the progression or prevent the growth of tumours by inducing apoptosis. This is programmed cell death of cancer cells. This is done by hindering the formation of new blood vessels which supply oxygen and nutrients to the tumours i.e. angiogenesis.

Further, turmeric can also improve the effect of chemotherapy. It increases the sensitivity of the cancer cells to the drugs and protects normal cells from damage caused because of the drugs used in chemotherapy. In addition, turmeric reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, and gastrointestinal irritation by stimulating the immune system and the appetite of dogs to minimise the chances of side effects of cancer treatment i.e. vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, and hair loss.

Additional benefits of turmeric for dogs

Apart from the benefits mentioned in the previous section, there are other benefits of using turmeric for dogs. Here are they:

• Treats inflammatory bowel disease

Turmeric helps in regulating the acids and enzymes to improve the mobility and absorption of food in the stomach and intestines. This helps in stopping issues such as constipation, indigestion or bloating in dogs. When the immune system attacks the lining of the GI tract it leads to ulceration, inflammation, and scarring. This is an inflammatory bowel disease and it’s a chronic condition.

Turmeric soothes the GI tract and protects it from damage caused by bacteria, viruses, gastric acid, or drugs. It can also modulate the immune response and lessen the production of inflammatory prostaglandins and cytokines to restore the function and integrity of the GI tract.

• Reduces risk of blood clots

Platelets form clumps in an attempt to stop bleeding but, excessive formation of platelets can lead to blood clots. This can block the blood vessels and cause stroke, pulmonary embolism, or heart attack in dogs. Turmeric helps in reducing the excessive activity of platelets to minimise the risk of blood clots.

Further, turmeric can also reduce the levels of protein known as fibrinogen. This protein forms a meshwork of blood clots. Turmeric reduces their levels by increasing the activity of fibrinolytic enzymes that help dissolve blood clots. In addition, turmeric also lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels to improve the elasticity and overall health of blood vessels. This ensures that there is no narrowing and hardening of the arteries because of fat accumulation and cholesterol.

• Fights infections and facilitates wound healing

Turmeric is known to boost the wound healing process. It facilitates the growth of new skin cells, blood vessels, and collagen. These are the structural proteins which provide strength and elasticity to the skin. Turmeric can also lessen swelling, inflammation, and pain near the wound and prevent the formation of scars.

In addition, turmeric stops the growth of fungi, viruses, and bacteria as it increases the production of antibodies and white blood cells that improve the overall immunity of the dog. This helps in fighting infections. Furthermore, it can act as a natural disinfectant and antiseptic and stop the wound from becoming infected or septic.

• Improve immunity and stop allergies

Turmeric stimulates the production and activity of immune cells like T cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells. It can identify and remove foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses and cancer cells. Also, the histamine chemical which is responsible for allergic reactions triggering coughing, sneezing, and swelling is suppressed by turmeric.

Turmeric suppresses the activity of mast cells. These are immune cells which store and release histamine and other inflammatory intermediates.

Turmeric for Dogs – Tips for Effective Usage

To leverage the benefits of turmeric for dogs, you need to use turmeric for dogs effectively. For starters, you need to consult the vet. This will help you analyse the risk factor, and based on your furry friend’s medical history, the vet might also suggest to you the exact type and dosage your furry friend might need. Here are some of the tips you can consider for using turmeric effectively for the dog:

#1. Select the proper form of turmeric

Turmeric is only beneficial for dogs if it contains a high percentage of curcuminoids. The composition of the compound varies in different forms so, you need to pick the form which will work out well for symptoms or health issues your furry friend is facing. Below are some of the prospects that will help you decide which turmeric is suitable for your dog:

• The intent behind using turmeric – if you need turmeric for maintaining your dog’s normal health and wellness, you can select any form. But, if you need to treat a specific disease, you may have to stick with vets’ suggestion or pick the form of turmeric that has a high proportion and bioavailability of curcumin.
• Dosage of turmeric – the normal dosage of turmeric for dogs is around 15 to 20 mg per lb of dogs’ body weight. However, this dosage is subject to metrics such as the dog’s size, weight, and overall health condition. Based on these metrics and the concentration of curcumin in turmeric, you need to adjust the dosage of the turmeric.
• Dog’s preference – even if you have selected the turmeric form, it is possible, that your dog might reject your choice. For instance, some dogs don’t like the smell or taste of turmeric and they will either refuse to eat it or spit it out. So, based on your furry friend’s taste preference you may have to add some other ingredients to the mix to avoid the resentment.

#2. Using different forms of turmeric

Once you recognise the intent, have chosen the suitable form and know the dosage to feed the dog, half of the job is done. The next step involves exploring the prospects regarding how to use each form of turmeric for the dog.

• Turmeric powder – it is probably the simplest form and you can just sprinkle them on your furry friend’s regular diet. To make it more palatable and bioavailable for the dogs, you can mix the powder with oil, water, honey, or food. The powder turmeric can help dogs suffering from arthritis, inflammation, pain, digestive upset, and cancer. In addition, the powder turmeric comes in handy to treat wounds and cuts on dogs or infected areas on the skin. You can apply it on the wounds or cuts topically and disinfect them to facilitate proper healing.

• Turmeric paste – the paste form is easy to make at home. You can add water, oil, and black pepper to the mix with turmeric. This will increase the absorption and effectiveness of turmeric. This paste will work just like the powder but, is more consistent and powerful in terms of effectiveness. You can use the paste and mix it in the dog’s meal and also apply it topically on infections, wounds, or cuts if needed.

• Turmeric capsules – these are made to improve the health condition of the dog. The capsules have a fixed amount of curcumin with a mix of other ingredients. You can use them as a supplement or sprinkle them on your furry friend’s regular diet. Normally, turmeric capsules are helpful in specific conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or severe inflammation that require a higher dosage of curcumin. But, turmeric capsules are a bit expensive and less natural compared to other forms.

• Turmeric treats – you can make turmeric treats with turmeric and other ingredients to support the dog’s health or simply use them as a snack or reward. It helps improve mild conditions like allergies, skin problems, or dental issues. So, you can use it for small issues, but the treats don’t include enough turmeric for a therapeutic effect. Also, there is a possibility of additives or preservatives in the mix if you have bought a commercial pack.

#3. Slowly include turmeric in dogs’ diet

When you plan on using turmeric for your dog, you need to ensure they are introduced to the ingredients gradually. The reason is simple, dogs might resent the smell or taste and might not eat their regular meal if they sense the presence of turmeric. Here is how you can slowly introduce turmeric into your furry friend’s regular diet:

• Day 1 – take a small amount of turmeric, roughly 1/8 of a teaspoon and mix it in the food. Add a bit of oil such as olive oil or coconut oil. This will improve the absorption of turmeric. Once you add the turmeric, observe your furry friend’s health and look for any signs indicating nausea, digestive upset, diarrhoea, or vomiting.

• Day 2 – if there was no health issue on the first day, you can increase the quantity of turmeric. You can add 1/4 of a teaspoon and mix it with their food. This time you can add black pepper for more bioavailability. The piperine compound present in black pepper increases the absorption of curcumin by up to 2000%.

• Day 3 – if your dog manages to handle the high quantity of turmeric, you can add more turmeric on day 3. You can include 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric and mix it with your furry friend’s food. To increase the playability, you can add honey to the mix of ingredients. Adding honey will also benefit your dog healthwise because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Day 4 – if the first three days dog has not shown any distress or any health-related symptoms then you can increase the quantity of the turmeric and make it 3/4 of a teaspoon on the fourth day. Add some water to the mix this time so that it gets easy for dogs to digest for the dog. This helps to flush out the toxins in the dog’s body.

• Day 5 – on day 5, you can consider adding a full teaspoon of turmeric to your furry friend’s meal if they have shown no severe symptoms. This is the limit of quantity as roughly you can include 15-20 mg of turmeric per pound of body weight.

#4. Optimize the dosage

The dosage of turmeric depends on the form of turmeric used for the dog. For instance, 15-20 mg of turmeric per pound of body weight per day is the optimal dose for powder form turmeric. It is equivalent to 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight per day for the dog. So, if your dog weighs let’s say 80 pounds, you can use 1 to 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder.

Below are dosage estimates for other forms of turmeric:

• Turmeric paste – the optimal dosage of turmeric paste for dogs will be 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight of your furry friend. This estimate is equivalent to 1/16 to 1/8 teaspoon of turmeric powder for a dog weighing 10 pounds. So, an 80-pound dog might need about 2 to 4 teaspoons of turmeric paste per day.
• Turmeric capsules – the recommended dosage of turmeric capsules is usually subject to the vet’s prescription. Still, the manufacturers do provide instructions based on the presence of curcumin compound in the capsules. Normally, the turmeric capsules have roughly 50 to 95% of curcumin. An 80-pound dog would need roughly 150 to 600 mg of curcumin per day for proper effectiveness so, give 1 to 12 capsules to the dogs.
• Turmeric treats – if the treats are bought by you then it is easy to find the instructions on the pack for the appropriate amount to give to the dogs. In general, the turmeric content present in these treats ranges from 5-10%. A 40-pound dog will need roughly 300 to 600 mg of turmeric paste per day. So, an 80-pound dog will probably need 600 to 1200 mg of paste per day.

These were some of the estimates for optimal dosage for different turmeric forms. Remember, you should always consult with a nutritionist or a vet before including turmeric in your dog’s regular diet.

Drawbacks of Using Turmeric for Dogs

There are lots of turmeric for dogs benefits but, if you are not careful with the usage, or neglect the instructions from a vet or the nutritionist, your furry friend could suffer. Below are some of the potential drawbacks of using turmeric for dogs:

#1. Digestive upset

Turmeric retains compounds that facilitate the production and secretion of gastric acid bile, and digestive enzymes. These substances break down the food and help with digestion but, can also irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines causing digestive upset. A dog is likely to suffer from digestive upset if, they are already damaged stomach or intestine that is inflamed by other factors like allergies, infections, or medications.

In addition, bile production helps in improving digestion and liver function but, it can also cause issues like gallbladder stones or inflammation in dogs. So, as a responsible dog owner, you need to ensure that you don’t use turmeric for your dog if they have a history of gallbladder issues or there is a risk of it manifesting.

#2. Risk of kidney stones

Oxalate is a naturally occurring compound found in turmeric. It binds calcium and other minerals in the urine, forming crystals which afterwards grow into stones. The stones formed can obstruct the flow of urine and lead to infection, pain, and kidney damage. Turmeric also impacts the pH and volume of urine which impacts the formation and dissolution of kidney stones.

In addition, It makes the urine more alkaline and this could lead to the precipitation of calcium oxalate and other kind of stones. Further, turmeric can also interfere with the metabolism and excretion of uric acid. High levels of uric acid in urine can lead to stones and crystal formation in acidic urine.

Turmeric halts the activity of xanthine oxidase, an enzyme which converts purines into uric acid, and elevates the reabsorption of uric acid by the kidneys. This results in hyperuricemia, a condition, where there is excessive uric acid in blood and urine.

#3. Interferes with blood clotting

Platelets form clumps once they find a damaged blood vessel in the body. Along with fibrin protein which forms meshwork, they create a plug which seals the wound and stops the bleeding. This process is referred to as hemostasis and is crucial for preventing excessive blood loss and infection.

Turmeric interferes with hemostasis and stops the activity of the platelets. The activity of platelets is triggered because of different factors such as A2, thromboxane, ADP, and collagen. The synthesis and action of these factors is blocked because of the turmeric and hence, platelets cannot gather and attach to the damaged blood vessel. This compromises the recovery.

Further, turmeric can also have a significant impact on the coagulation cascade. This is a series of reactions which mainly involves different clotting factors, like X, thrombin, and prothrombin. Turmeric stops these reactions which stops the formation of thrombin. Thrombin is responsible for converting fibrinogen and the clot that is broken down by dissolving fibrin doesn’t break down.

#4. Interacts with medications

If your furry friend is already on some sort of medication or drug then they are likely to have the metabolism and effectiveness of certain drugs. It directly influences the activity of cytochrome P450. It belongs to the family of enzymes that are responsible for the elimination and metabolism of several drugs and toxins.

Turmeric can either inhibit or induce the function and expression of these enzymes based on the dosage and type of medicine or drug. This modifies the blood levels and duration of action of these medicines or drugs and elevates the risk of toxicity because of less efficacy.

In addition, turmeric influences the activity of P-glycoprotein which is a protein which helps transport drugs and other substances across the cell membranes. So, when there’s an increase or decrease in the function of this protein, it affects the absorption and distribution of the drugs and also, impacts the tissue concentration and bioavailability.

When to avoid using turmeric for dogs?

The drawbacks are indicators that turmeric must be avoided for dogs, especially if they are susceptible to medical issues. It can worsen their existing condition and make life difficult for the dogs. So, it does beg a question – when to avoid using this spice? Here are some instances which suggest avoiding the usage of turmeric:

• If the dog has a bleeding disorder

A dog who is on blood thinning medications such as warfarin or aspirin or has a bleeding disorder is likely to have issues if given turmeric. This is mainly because turmeric interferes with the clotting process and elevates the risk of bruising or bleeding. The activity of the platelets is compromised and clumps are not formed near the damaged blood vessel.

• Allergy to turmeric

If your furry friend is allergic to turmeric or any of the ingredients of it, they could face issues like swelling, itching, digestive upset or rash. Some dogs may also face vomiting, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea. This happens because turmeric can trigger the immune system to release antibodies and inflammatory mediators like histamine that trigger allergic symptoms.

It also causes irritation in the stomach lining and intestines, especially if provided in more quantity to the dogs. In addition, it can modify the gut microbiota and affect the digestion, and immunity of the dog. So, if your dog has intolerances or a history of food allergies, avoid using turmeric.

• Kidney stone issues

As mentioned previously, turmeric elevates the levels of oxalate and this can form stones or crystals which block a dog’s urinary tract. This can lead to various problems like infection, pain, kidney damage, and obstruction of urine. If a dog is already prone to these issues they should not be given turmeric. It could make their condition worse.

• Gallbladder issues

The production of bile can worsen gallbladder issues so, dogs with gallbladder issues must not have turmeric. It stimulates the production and secretion of bile. The bile gets stored in the gallbladder and if there is too much concentration of bile in the organ, it will result in solid deposits. These deposits are referred to as gallstones.

Gallstones can cause issues like infection, inflammation, or blockage of the gallbladder. They can also block the small tubes that carry bile to the smaller intestine. In addition, turmeric can also elevate the viscosity of bile which makes it difficult for the gallbladder to empty and thus, the risk of gallstones rises significantly. Hence, turmeric is not to be given to such dogs.

• The dog is pregnant or nursing

Turmeric modulates the activity of estrogen hormone which controls the reproductive system and the development of the fetus. So, based on the dosage of turmeric, it could either provide health benefits or cause trouble for the pregnant dog. This is because turmeric also influences the activity of other hormones like cortisol, thyroid, and insulin that are involved in the metabolism and growth of the fetus.

In addition, it also affects the activity of different enzymes and transporters which are responsible for the metabolism and transfer of nutrients and medication across the placenta and the milk. The dosage should be administered properly and if the dog is conceiving or on hormonal medications, turmeric must be avoided.

• Iron deficiency or anaemia

Dogs who have iron deficiency or have anaemia must not have turmeric. Turmeric can lower blood iron levels and cause or worsen anaemia in dogs. This happens because turmeric can bind iron and stop its absorption from a dog’s meal. Iron helps in producing haemoglobin. So, less iron proportion can reduce the haemoglobin production and dogs will receive less oxygen in their red blood cells because of less production.

In addition, anaemia is a condition where there is not enough haemoglobin or red blood cells in the blood so, dogs may feel symptoms of weakness, fatigue, pale gums and shortness of breath. In short, the availability and utilisation of iron are minimised because of turmeric which causes these issues, especially for dogs who are already suffering from anaemia or have iron deficiency. So, turmeric should be avoided for such dogs.

How to Make Turmeric Paste for Dogs at Home?

Looking at the drawbacks and other issues that dogs might face while having turmeric, you may have thought of – how to make turmeric paste for dogs at home. This may seem a simple and safer option but, there are some prerequisites to consider.

Prerequisites to make turmeric paste for dogs at home

• When a dog needs a high dosage of curcumin for cancer, diabetes, or severe inflammation. Paste comes in handy. Turmeric paste provides a more bioavailable form of turmeric in comparison to the tablets.
• If the dog is having issues swallowing or digesting tablets, turmeric paste is a better way of feeding turmeric. The turmeric paste easily gets mixed with food, water, or honey to provide it to the dog.
• A dog suffering from allergies or has a sensitivity to the ingredients of turmeric tablets can benefit a lot from turmeric paste. The reason is simple, dog owners can add ingredients as per the dog’s preference and avoid adding any filler, preservatives or binders which could harm the dog.

These are some of the prerequisites or instances, where you can consider making turmeric paste for your furry friend. Let’s have a peek at the ingredients and instructions for the turmeric for dogs recipe which you can make in paste form for your dog.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of organic turmeric powder
• 1 and a half teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup of filtered or spring water
• 1/4 cup of organic MCT oil or ghee

Instructions

1. Mix the turmeric powder with a cup of spring or filtered water in a small saucepan. Maintain medium-low heat temperature.
2. Stir the mix for roughly 10 minutes to blend it properly or mix it until it forms a paste. Now, if the paste gets thick, add more water and make it appear more watery.
3. Add more turmeric powder and cook it for a few minutes. Once the paste gets thick, add some black pepper to the blend along with the oil. This will increase the absorption and effectiveness of turmeric.
4. Allow the paste to cool down and switch it to a glass jar with a lid for proper storage.
5. Once the turmeric paste is low in temperature, you can mix it with your dog’s regular diet as per their requirements.

If you are storing this paste in the refrigerator, you can use it for two weeks. For a longer duration, you may have to freeze the paste in the ice cube trays.

Additional ingredients for turmeric paste

To improve the flavour of the paste and provide health benefits to the dog, you can modify the mix using different ingredients. Below are some of the ingredients that you can consider adding to the turmeric paste for dogs:

• Ginger – this is a root and has anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and antioxidant properties. So, it can help improve motion sickness, improve digestion, and reduce pain-related issues in dogs. Adding a pinch of ginger to turmeric will change the flavour and also provide some health benefits.

• Cinnamon – has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties which can help with diabetes, improve arthritis, and help fight infection in dogs. Adding cinnamon can improve bioavailability of the turmeric and provide healthy benefits to the dog.

• Coconut oil – is a healthy fat and has anti-inflammatory, moisturising, and anti-bacterial properties. This helps in improving the skin health of the dog, improve digestion, and overall immunity of dogs. The oil is used in making the paste of turmeric but, you can add more to leverage different benefits for the dog.

• Honey – this natural sweetener is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. It also has wound-healing properties and can come in handy to resolve skin allergies, and infection issues in dogs. So, you can use it to add sweet flavour and make turmeric paste more palatable at the same time.

• Quercetin – is a natural compound that is found in various fruits and vegetables and adding in paste can help increase the absorption of turmeric. It can act as an anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, or anti-cancer agent to help improve a dog’s health.

You can use these ingredients to provide more health benefits or change the flavour of the turmeric paste for the dog. Some dogs might not like black pepper in the mix so, use any of these ingredients instead to make dogs have turmeric paste without compromising health prospects.

FAQs

Final Remarks on Turmeric for Dogs

Turmeric has been used for medicinal purposes for ages by humans. It can also help our furry friends and provide health benefits. The ingredient present in this spice helps reduce inflammation, and pain and avoid cancer in dogs. This spice is available in different forms and is useful in providing dog relief from different health-related issues.

However, as a responsible dog owner, you need to make sure that you are not giving turmeric to your dog randomly. You have to consult the vet or a nutritionist before adjusting the dog’s diet and adding turmeric to it. The transition should not overwhelm your dog. Follow the instructions or guidelines provided for using turmeric and avoid the risk of turmeric toxicity.

Lastly, it is important to remember, that turmeric is not a substitute for medical treatment or veterinary care. You need to consult your dog’s vet or nutritionist if turmeric has not shown any positive effects on the dog. They will determine the issue and provide you with a more optimal dosage or suggest you stop using turmeric for your dog.

Overall, turmeric for dogs is a good idea, but, for the safety of the dog, it is best to use vet recommended turmeric for dogs. This will minimise the risk of health issues and your dog will leverage the benefits of turmeric easily.

While cruciate ligament dog surgery cost can be high, trying natural anti-inflammatory options like turmeric under veterinary guidance could help manage arthritis and joint issues in some dogs, potentially avoiding or delaying the need for surgery."